EL4008 - Introduction to Language and Literature

What will I learn on this module?

In this module, you will be studying the dynamic connection between language and literature. You will be introduced to the field of stylistics, which examines literary texts through linguistic analyses. This module focuses on the discussion of how literary effects are created, and how they can be analysed through linguistic means. You will study relevant linguistic theories and frameworks in this module, and will develop their abilities by applying linguistic theories to examine selected literary texts of differing genres.

In addition, you will have the opportunity to develop a number of transferable skills (e.g. communication, presentation and group work) when studying literary and linguistic texts within a wide range of cultural, social and political contexts. This will help develop your employability skills, as well as to improve your cultural awareness and intellectual openness.

How will I learn on this module?

You will learn on this module by attending both lectures and seminars. Lectures take place weekly. You will be presented with the key concepts and ideas surrounding each week’s topic, and you will have the opportunity to interact with the lecturers and your peers in the lectures. Seminars take place fortnightly in small groups, where there will be tasks built upon the reading list and the lecture content. You will actively engage with your peers in group discussions, and will regularly practise your analytical and presentational skills in the class. In addition, you can arrange tutorial sessions with your module tutors if you would like to discuss the module content further.

How will I be supported academically on this module?

Throughout the module, you will receive academic support from the module tutor, the library, as well as peer support from your fellow students and additional guidance and support from your guidance tutor. You will establish a close working relation with your module tutor, with whom you can discuss any questions regarding the module. You will be able to email and / or meet with your module tutor during their feedback and consultation hours. The module’s blackboard site has a lot of useful and regularly updated information that will support your study of the module (including teaching material, the reading list and assessment information). If you would like to improve your academic writing and study skills, you can access the Library’s Skills Plus package online. You will also be encouraged to engage with your fellow students through group works and seminars, which will help create a friendly and reciprocal academic environment. Finally, if you would like additional support for your study, you can get in touch with your guidance tutor.

What will I be expected to read on this module?

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. The reading list for this module can be found at: http://readinglists.northumbria.ac.uk
(Reading List service online guide for academic staff this containing contact details for the Reading List team – http://library.northumbria.ac.uk/readinglists)

What will I be expected to achieve?

Knowledge & Understanding:
1. Demonstrate understanding of relevant theories and frameworks of literary linguistics, including how the structure and function of the English Language can be studied through stylistic means.

2. Show the ability to apply these theories and frameworks to analyse literary texts.


Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
3. Demonstrate the ability to observe, collect and analyse relevant linguistic data in order to construct a sound argument surrounding a given topic in stylistics.

4. demonstrate the intellectual skills required to compose academic discourse in oral presentation and essay writing in an academic context.

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):

5. the use of module feedback (both formative and summative) constructively in order to achieve progressive improvement throughout the module.

How will I be assessed?

The assessment for this module will be in two parts.

1. The first part accounts for 40% of the overall mark and is a 1,000-word discourse analysis on a given literary text. To be submitted at the end of the first semester.

2. The second part of the assessment accounts for 60%. It is a 2,000-word discourse analysis on a topic of the student’s choice, which is to be discussed with the tutor. To be submitted at the end of the second semester.

The second written assignment is given more weight than the first assignment in order to encourage students to develop and improve their analytical skills throughout the course.

Apart from the two summative assessments, there are two formative assessments in this module.

The first formative assessment takes place in the first semester, where you will give either an individual or a group presentation to talk about your chosen subject(s) that you have explored and examined in the module.

The second formative assessment takes place in the second semester, where you will submit an A-4 essay plan for your second summative assessment.

Both formative assessments aim to prepare you for your written assessments, and you can benefit from the feedback given on your presentations and essay plans.

You will receive feedback from both the formative and summative assessments. For formative assessments, you will receive peer-reviews for their presentations, and the tutor’s comments on both the presentations and your essay plan. This feedback will help you prepare for your summative assessments.

For summative assessments, you will receive formal written feedback from the tutor. The feedback for the first written assignment will help you improve your next assignment in semester two, and the feedback for the second assignment will provide you an evaluation of your overall learning outcomes of the module, and will contribute to your future studies.

Pre-requisite(s)

N/A

Co-requisite(s)

N/A

Module abstract

Please find details of this module in the other sections provided.

Course info

UCAS Code Q390

Credits 20

Level of Study Undergraduate

Mode of Study 3 years full-time or 4 years with a placement (sandwich)/study abroad

Department Humanities

Location City Campus, Northumbria University

City Newcastle

Start September 2024 or September 2025

Fee Information

Module Information

All information is accurate at the time of sharing. 

Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.  

Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.

 

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